System and process of producing a soft and flexible balloon

ABSTRACT

A method of producing and packaging a plastic balloon preferably includes steps of sealing the plastic balloon within a substantially airtight package and maintaining the environment within the package in such a condition as to maintain the plastic balloon in a softened and flexible state that will optimize the performance characteristics of the plastic balloon when it is inflated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to non-latex, plastic balloons and more particularly to a system and process for packaging and distributing such plastic balloons that is expected to materially enhance the performance characteristics of the balloon upon inflation.

2. Description of the Related Technology

The popularity of non-latex, plastic balloons has grown tremendously in recent years. This type of balloon typically includes two flexible plastic sheets that are heat sealed together in one of many possible different configurations (e.g., a circle or heart shape). One or both of the sheets may be decorated or metallized to provide an aesthetically pleasing balloon. One significant advantage of plastic balloons is their relative impermeability towards air or helium. However, non-latex balloons tend to show wrinkles at their heat-seal lines once they are inflated to a normally recommended inflating pressure.

The present inventors have known that the operating performance of plastic balloons tends to be optimized when the plastic balloons are kept in a softened and flexible state. Specifically, a softened and flexible plastic balloon tends to be more elastic, resilient and pliable than a plastic balloon that is not softened and flexible; it will show fewer wrinkles when inflated and will be less likely to fail under pressure. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,675 the inventors demonstrated that maintaining a hydrated plastic balloon increased the life of the plastic balloons and decreased the wrinkles and the brittleness of the plastic due to lack of sufficient hydration.

A need exists for an improved system and process for ensuring that plastic balloons are kept within their optimal softened and flexible state from the time of their manufacture until they are about to be used by a consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved system and process for ensuring that plastic balloons are kept within their optimal softened and flexible state from the time of their manufacture until they are about to be used by a consumer.

In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, a method of packaging a plastic balloon according to a first aspect of the invention includes steps of providing a plastic balloon; inserting the plastic balloon into a package; and establishing a non-aqueous liquid environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain the balloon in a softened and flexible state.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for packaging a plastic balloon includes a package; a plastic balloon contained within the package; and a structure for establishing a non-aqueous liquid environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain the plastic balloon in a softened and flexible state.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a system for packaging a plastic balloon includes a substantially airtight package; and a plastic balloon contained within the package in a softened and flexible state.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of distributing a plastic balloon includes steps of softening the plastic balloon; and distributing the plastic balloon in the softened and flexible state.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of softening the balloon includes providing a heated environment sufficient to maintain the balloon in a softened and flexible state.

According to his sixth aspect of the invention, a method of making a plastic balloon includes steps of providing a plastic material; treating the plastic material to ensure that the plastic material is maintained in a softened and flexible state; and making the plastic material into a balloon.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a method of making a plastic balloon includes steps of providing a plastic material that, has been treated to ensure that the plastic material is maintained in a softened and flexible state; and making the plastic material into a balloon.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first diagrammatical view depicting a system for packaging a plastic balloon according to be preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a second diagrammatical view depicting the system that is shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to FIG. 1, a system 10 for packaging a plastic balloon 14 includes a package 12 that in the preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed so as to be substantially airtight. By this, it is meant that the package 12 has a construction that is effective to prevent a significant amount of moisture, gas, vapor or liquid from escaping from the package 12 before it is opened by a consumer. This may be accomplished by constructing the package 12 out of a plastic material, such as biaxially oriented polypropylene, that operates as a moisture or liquid barrier, with all edges being sealed to create an interior space that is hermetically isolated from the outside environment. For example, biaxially oriented polypropylene having a thickness of 20-40 microns may be used.

Plastic balloon 14, which is depicted in FIG. 1 as including a string 15, is positioned within the package 12. Preferably, plastic balloon 14 is fabricated from plastic sheet material that most preferably includes a first layer that is preferably fabricated of a biaxially oriented nylon 6, a second layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, a third layer of biaxially oriented nylon 6 and a fourth layer of linear low density polyethylene.

According to one important aspect of the invention, softening structure 16 is preferably provided for establishing a non-aqueous liquid environment within the package 12 that is sufficient to maintain the plastic balloon 14 in a softened and flexible state. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, softening structure 16 is embodied as a structure 18 that preferably includes a porous carrier element 20 that is at least partially saturated with an a non-aqueous liquid. As shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the porous carrier element 20 may be positioned within a package 22 that keeps the porous carrier element 20 in a predetermined position within the package 12. Preferably, the softening structure 16 is inserted into the package 12 at the facility where the plastic balloon 14 is manufactured, so that the plastic balloon 14 may be distributed to wholesalers and subsequently retailers and customers in a softened and flexible state.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, porous carrier element 20 may be a basic paper hand towel that is saturated with a non-aqueous solution. It is important that the substances used in the non-aqueous solution do not react chemically with the plastic sheet material of which the plastic balloon 14 is fabricated, or the material from which package 12 is fabricated.

Alternatively, the porous carrier element 20 may be a non-aqueous gel. U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,516, incorporated herein in its entirety, describes a matrix for the prolonged release of an active organic material. This matrix comprises (a) a thermoplastic, water-soluble, substantially non-aqueous gel matrix comprising a water-soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose homogeneously dispersed in a plasticizer which comprises a major amount of the weight of said gel matrix and (b) dispersed in said gel matrix, an active organic material. U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,516 also describes a thermoformable sustained release matrix for the prolonged release of an active organic material, which matrix comprises (a) a thermoplastic water-soluble gel comprising a water-soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose homogeneously dispersed in a major amount of the weight of said gel of a plasticizer for said hydroxypropyl methylcellulose at the proportions thereof present in said gel and (b) dispersed in said gel, an effective amount of an active organic material.

By “non-aqueous” is meant that these liquids or gels contain no more than about 40% water. More preferably, they will comprise less than about 5% (v/v) water, usually less than about 3% (v/v) water, more usually less than about 1% (v/v) water, preferably less than about 0.5% (v/v) water.

The non-aqueous liquids of the subject invention will comprise at least one polar organic solvent, where two or more different polar organic solvents may be present in the formulation, usually not more than four polar organic solvents, more usually not more than three polar organic solvents. The organic solvent component will make up the majority of the non-aqueous liquid and provide for a continuous fluid phase, with the organic solvent component ranging from about 65 to 98% (v/v) of the non-aqueous liquid, usually from about 80 to 98% (v/v) of the non-aqueous liquid, more usually from about 90 to 95% (v/v) of the non-aqueous liquid, most preferably from about 75 or 80% to 99.5% (v/v).

The non-aqueous liquids may comprise C, N, O, S, H and P, and may be cyclic, usually heterocyclic, and will generally be of low molecular weight, having a molecular weight of greater than about 30 Da, usually greater than about 40 Da, but less than about 500 Da, usually less than about 275 Da and more usually less than about 250 Da. The non-aqueous solvents will generally have from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, usually from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more usually from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and will comprise one or more heteroatoms, typically no more than 8 heteroatoms, usually no more than 6 heteroatoms, and more usually fewer than 4 heteroatoms.

Non-aqueous liquids of interest will comprise 1 or more oxygen containing substituent groups, usually no more than 4 oxygen containing substituents, more usually no more than 3 oxygen containing substituents, where oxygen containing substituents include oxy, oxo and acid groups, both organic (e.g. carboxy) and inorganic, e.g. sulphur or phosphorus, and the like, where particular substituent groups of interest include: amides and ureas; esters, e.g. carboxylic esters, carbonate esters; ethers; hydroxy groups, and the like. Preferred oxo substituents include amides, esters, acetals and sulfoxides.

Liquids comprising hydroxy substituents include lower alkanols (alcohols) of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 hydroxy groups, usually having no more than 1 hydroxy group for every 1.5 carbon atoms. Lower alkanols of interest include methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol), 1-propen-3-ol (allyl alcohol), propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, and the like, with isopropyl alcohol being preferred.

In addition, there are a number of fatty alcohols, i.e. alcohols with more than 4 carbons. Alcohols with more than 5 carbons or 4 carbons in a branched configuration are insoluble. Non-aqueous liquids may include ketones, aldehydes, ethers, esters, carboxylic acids and the like.

Other non-aqueous liquids may include but are not limited to, gamma-butyrolactone, propylene carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, ethylacetate, sulfolane, diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 4-formylmorpholine, propylacetate, 1-chloropentane, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, benzene, butylacetate, hexamethylphosphortriamide, benzonitrile, methoxybenzene and p-Xylene.

Amides of interest may be cyclic and include both N-substituted and unsubstituted amides, where any N-substituents will usually be alkyls of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more usually 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Particular amides of interest include: formamide, methyl formamide, dimethyl formamide, ethyl formamide, diethyl formamide, acetamide, methyl acetamide, dimethyl acetamide, ethyl acetamide, diethyl acetamide, N-methylpropionamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide. Cyclic amides (lactams) of interest include 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone. Ureas of interest include tetramethyl urea, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, and the like.

Esters of interest include esters of carboxylic acids as well as esters of inorganic acids. Examples of the former include triacetin, triethyl citrate, ethyl lactate, and the like. Examples of the latter include carbonate esters, where particular carbonate esters include: propylene carbonate, 1,2-butylene carbonate, 2,3-butylene carbonate and the like, with propylene carbonate being referred. Other solvents of interest include dimethyl sulfoxide, diethyl sulfoxide, hexamethyl phosphoramide, pyruvic aldehyde dimethylacetal, dimethylisosorbide and the like.

When the non-aqueous liquids are gels, they may be sufficiently flowable so as to be capable of being injected into a sealed package or a porous carrier 20. Generally, the non-aqueous gels will have a viscosity ranging from about 500 to 50,000 mPa·sec, usually from about 1,000 to 40,000 mPa·sec, and more usually from about 2,000 to 30,000 mPa·sec, all at a shear rate of 10 sec⁻¹.

In the non-aqueous gels, in combination with the polar organic solvent component will be at least one thickening or gelling agent, where a plurality of thickening agents may be employed, usually not more than 3 different thickening agents, more usually not more than 2 different thickening agents. Thickening agents finding use in the subject vehicles will be those agents capable of substantially increasing the viscosity of the formulation to provide for a vehicle having a viscosity ranging from about 500 to 50,000 mPa·sec, usually from about 1,000 to 40,000 mPa·sec, and more usually from about 2,000 to 30,000 mPa·sec all at a shear rate of 10 sect⁻¹. Generally, the thickening agent component of the formulation will range from about 0.5 to 20% (v/v) of the formulation, usually from about 1 to 15% (v/v) of the formulation, more usually from about 2 to 10% (v/v) of the formulation.

Thickening agents of interest, also known as viscosity enhancing agents, are pharmaceutically acceptable for parenteral use when employed in the subject formulations. Finding use as thickening agents in the subject vehicles are fatty acids and other fatty acid esters, as well as the aluminum and magnesium salts thereof, and biocompatible polymers. Fatty acids that find use as thickening agents in the subject vehicles will generally be naturally occurring fatty acids having 12 to 20 carbon atoms, usually 14 to 18 carbon atoms, where the fatty acids may be saturated or have one or more sites of ethylenic unsaturation, usually not more than 4 sites of unsaturation, more usually not more than 2 sites of unsaturation, where monounsaturated fatty acids are preferred. Specific fatty acids of interest include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and the like, particularly oleic acid. Also of interest as thickening agents are the aluminum and magnesium salts of the above fatty acids, usually aluminum salts of the above fatty acids, particularly aluminum monostearate.

Thickening agents of interest also include biocompatible synthetic, naturally occurring or modified naturally occurring polymers capable of imparting the desired viscosity to the non-aqueous gel. Polymers finding use as thickening agents in the subject vehicles may be non-crosslinked or where the polymers may be linear or branched, but will usually be linear. Polymers of interest may be homo- or copolymers, where the copolymers may be random or block copolymers, and include proteins such as collagen or gelatin, polysaccharides, polyoxyalkylenes, polyvinyls, and the like.

Polysaccharides finding use may be either naturally occurring or chemically modified versions thereof, particularly modified celluloses, where the modified celluloses will have molecular weights ranging from about 5,000 to 200,000 Da, usually from about 10,000 to 150,000 Da, where the cellulosic backbone may be modified with a variety of different pendant groups, including alkyl groups of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, usually 1 to 2 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, carboxyalkyl groups of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and the like. Specific modified celluloses of interest include methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and the like.

Polyoxyalkylenes of interest include high molecular weight polyoxyethylene compounds, where the compounds may be homopolymers, e.g. polyethylene glycols, or copolymers of oxyethylene and oxypropylene monomeric units, e.g. poloxamers. High molecular weight polyoxyalkylene compounds finding use as thickening agents in the subject invention will generally have a molecular weight of at least about 5,000 Da, usually at least about 7,000 Da, and may be as high as 50,000 Da or higher, but will usually be less than 20,000 Da. For polyoxyalkylene copolymers, the copolymers will generally be block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene units, where the polyoxyethylene units will generally range from about 20 to 90% by weight of the polymer.

Other polymers of interest include polyvinyl polymers, such as carboxypolymethylene (carbomer), polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol and the like. Polyvinyl polymers of particular interest include carboxypolymethylene (carbomer), polyvinylpyrolidones (povidones) having molecular weights ranging from about 50,000 to about 500,000 Da.

Of particular interest as substantially non-aqueous delivery vehicles are the following solvent and thickening agent combinations: (1) isopropyl alcohol thickened with hydroxypropyl cellulose in combination with oleic acid; (2) dimethylacetamide thickened with methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, or carboxypolymethylene; and (3) propylene carbonate thickened with polyvinylpyrrolidone.

In addition to the polar organic solvent and thickening agent components, the non-aqueous gels may further comprise various modifying agents that increase the stability and/or usefulness of the final formulation, where such agents include antibacterial and antimicrobial preservatives, buffers, antioxidants, and other pharmaceutical adjutants. Antibacterial and microbial agents finding use include benzoic acid, butyl paraben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorobutanol, phenol, phenylmercuric nitrate, thimerosol, and the like. Antioxidants finding use include ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, hypophosphorous acid, monothioglycerol, propyl gallate, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, sodium metabisulfite and the like. Buffering agents of interest include potassium metaphosphate, potassium phosphate, monobasic sodium acetate, sodium citrate anhydrous, sodium citrate dihydrate, and the like. These additional agents, when present, will be no more than about 5% (v/v) of the vehicle formulation, usually no more than about 3% (v/v) of the vehicle formulation, more usually no more 2% (v/v) of the formulation.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the plastic balloon 14 may be presoftened and flexible prior to being inserted into the package 12. The plastic balloon 14 will remain softened and flexible within the package 12 until the package 12 is opened because the package 12 is constructed so as to be sealed against the non-aqueous solution loss. Alternatively, plastic material for use in forming the balloon may be pre-softened using the techniques described herein prior to and during manufacturing of the balloon. The balloon would then preferably be packaged in such a way as to maintain an environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain the balloon in a softened, flexible state.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the plastic balloon 14 may be sealed within the package 12, and the non-aqueous solution may be injected directly into the package 12 in a manner that reseals the package 12 against the non-aqueous solution loss.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the plastic balloon may be kept soft and flexible by the use of heat. The heat may be supplied by a chemical reaction, a dry heat box or indirect steam. Portable chemical heaters are known in the art often as hand or body warmers. Chemical heaters are made in various shapes. They comprise pad or pouches filled with chemical compounds that produce heat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,134 to Hudson; U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,547 to Kapralis et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,250 to Beisang et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,479 to Usui, and. U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,005 to Sato et al. are examples of this type of heaters. When the plastic balloon is kept soft and flexible by chemical heat, the merchant will activate the heat by breaking the sealed chemical containers. Typically, the chemical heat will last only about 10-12 hours.

Alternatively, the heat may be supplied by convention heat or indirect steam. In this aspect, the plastic balloons are placed in a heat box for example, kept warm at a temperature sufficient to keep the plastic balloon soft and flexible. The plastic balloon may also be kept soft and flexible by the use of indirect steam heat. When the plastic balloon is kept soft and flexible by heat, care must be given to prevent the heat from reaching a temperature that could cause the plastic in the balloon from warping or even melting. The merchant will place the balloons in a heat box or steamer prior to using the plastic balloons. In yet another aspect of the invention, heat could be used to generate a chemical steam to keep the plastic soft and flexible.

One important advantage of the invention is that by keeping the plastic balloon 14 in a softened and flexible state, it will be assured that the consumer is provided with a plastic balloon 14 that will expand pliably upon inflation with a minimal risk of explosion. Such a softened and flexible plastic balloon 14 will float longer than a non-softened and non-flexible plastic balloon because when the balloon is stretched there is more space for helium. More helium, yet the same amount of balloon material weight will yield more float time. In addition, a softened and flexible plastic balloon 14 will appear more attractive because it will have fewer wrinkles along the seams when inflated. In fact, a properly softened and flexible plastic balloon 14 can be inflated so as to be substantially wrinkle free. A balloon that is more attractive and floats for a longer period of time has a higher perceived value and can be sold for more, yet manufacturing costs only increase slightly due to the slightly increased cost of the packaging. However, the slightly increased cost will be more than offset by the obviation of the need for storing the plastic balloons in a controlled environment throughout the distribution chain.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1. A method of packaging a plastic balloon, comprising: (a) providing a plastic balloon; (b) inserting the plastic balloon into a package; and (c) establishing an environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain the balloon in a softened and flexible state.
 2. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 1, wherein step (b) is performed by inserting the plastic balloon into a package that is substantially airtight, whereby loss of non-aqueous liquid from the package will be minimized.
 3. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is performed by providing a softening means within the package for maintaining a non-aqueous liquid atmosphere within the package.
 4. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 3, wherein said softening means comprises a porous carrier element that is at least partially saturated with a non-aqueous liquid.
 5. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 3, wherein said non-aqueous liquid is selected from the group consisting of alkanols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, amines and esters.
 6. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 5, wherein said alkanols are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1-propen-3-ol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol.
 7. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 6, wherein said alkanol is isopropyl alcohol.
 8. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is performed by softening the plastic balloon prior to packaging and maintaining an environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain said softened and flexible state.
 9. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 8, wherein said step of maintaining a non-aqueous liquid environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain the softened and flexible state is performed by maintaining the package in a substantially airtight condition.
 10. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 4, wherein said step of maintaining a non-aqueous liquid environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain the softened and flexible state is performed by a non-aqueous gel.
 11. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is performed by providing a heating means within the package for maintaining warm environment within the package.
 12. A method of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 11, wherein said heating means is a chemical heater.
 13. A system for packaging a plastic balloon, comprising: a package; a plastic balloon contained within the package; and softening means for establishing an environment within the package that is sufficient to maintain the plastic balloon in a softened and flexible state.
 14. A system for packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 13, wherein said package is substantially airtight.
 15. A system for packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 13, wherein said softening means comprises a porous carrier element that is at least partially saturated with a non-aqueous liquid.
 16. A system for packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 13, wherein said softening means comprises a porous carrier element that is at least partially saturated with a non-aqueous gel.
 17. A system of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 15, wherein said non-aqueous liquid is selected from the group consisting of alkanols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, amines and esters.
 18. A system of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 17, wherein said alkanols are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, 1 -propanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1 -propen-3-ol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol.
 19. A system of packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 18, wherein said alkanol is isopropyl alcohol.
 20. A system for packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 13, further comprising antifungal means provided within the package for inhibiting the growth of mold within the package.
 21. A system for packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 13, further comprising antibacterial means provided within the package for inhibiting the growth of mold within the package.
 22. A system for packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 13, wherein said softening means comprises a heating means.
 23. A system for packaging a plastic balloon according to claim 22, wherein said heating means is a chemical heater.
 24. A method of distributing a plastic balloon, comprising steps of: (a) softening the plastic balloon; and (b) distributing the plastic balloon in the softened and flexible state.
 25. A method of distributing a plastic balloon according to claim 24, wherein said step of softening the plastic balloon is performed at a manufacturing facility.
 26. A method of distributing a plastic balloon according to claim 24, wherein said step of distributing the plastic balloon is performed by transporting the plastic balloon from a manufacturing facility to a wholesale facility.
 27. A method of distributing a plastic balloon according to claim 24, wherein said step of distributing the plastic balloon is performed by transporting the plastic balloon to a retail facility.
 28. A method of distributing a balloon according to claim 24, wherein said step of distributing the plastic balloon is performed at a retail facility for consumers.
 29. A method of making a plastic balloon, comprising: (a) providing a plastic material; (b) treating the plastic material to ensure that the plastic material is maintained in a softened and flexible state; and (c) making the plastic material into a balloon.
 30. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 29, wherein said step of treating the plastic material is performed by providing a softening means for maintaining a non-aqueous liquid atmosphere adjacent to the plastic material
 31. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 30, wherein said non-aqueous liquid is selected from the group consisting of alkanols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, amines and esters.
 32. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 31, wherein said alkanols are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, 1 -propanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1 -propen-3-ol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol.
 33. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 32, wherein said alkanol is isopropyl alcohol.
 34. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 29, further comprising a step of packaging the balloon so that an environment is maintained within the package that is sufficient to maintain the balloon in a softened and flexible state.
 35. A method of making a plastic balloon, comprising: (a) providing a plastic material that has been treated to ensure that the plastic material is maintained in a softened and flexible state; and (b) making the plastic material into a balloon.
 36. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 35, wherein said plastic material is treated by providing a softening means for maintaining a non-aqueous liquid atmosphere adjacent to the plastic material
 37. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 36, wherein said non-aqueous liquid is selected from the group consisting of alkanols, ketones, aldehydes, ethers, amines and esters.
 38. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 37, wherein said alkanols are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, 1 -propanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1 -propen-3-ol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol.
 39. A method of making a plastic balloon according to claim 38, wherein said alkanol is isopropyl alcohol. 